The President, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Chief Patrick Osita, has urged shippers and freight forwarders to patronise Clarion Shipping to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry.
Osita made the appeal during a rally organised by Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders on Tuesday in Apapa, Lagos.
He said the vessel would operate under a Free on Board (FOB) arrangement in naira, stressing that the initiative could save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange.
Osita urged importers, exporters, and other stakeholders to support Clarion Shipping, noting that local shipping had collapsed largely due to poor commitment.
He commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for enforcing the Cabotage Law to protect and support indigenous operators.
“Clarion Shipping has taken a huge risk to bring this vessel into the country. We must support the company and its Vice-President, Mrs Ifeoma Eloka,” he said.
Clarion Shipping’s Operations Manager, Mr Solomon Ogudo, said the firm offers multiple destination options, faster delivery, and access to inland ports in Lagos, Onne, Kano, and Onitsha.
He said incentives include 21 days of free container deposit, flexible demurrage waivers, and dedicated customer support in both China and Nigeria.
Ogudo disclosed that the vessel, Ocean Dragon, departed China on 28 September and is expected to berth in Nigeria by Oct. 25.
He explained that the company was created to tackle challenges faced by Nigerian and African exporters and to eliminate trans-shipment delays
“The consignments in Clarion Shipping vessels are delivered directly to destinations worldwide. We currently operate with China and have a strong base in Abidjan,” Ogudo added.
He said Clarion Shipping aimed to make Nigeria a leading hub for export shipping across Africa and beyond.
Ogudo also noted that customs officers would earn incentives of 500 dollars for booking 40-foot containers and 300 dollars for 20-foot containers.
He revealed that Clarion Shipping operates two vessels — one serving Nigeria and West Africa, and another linking Nigeria with China.
The rally attracted importers, exporters, freight forwarders, marketers, shippers, clearing agents, and media representatives, who hailed it as a milestone for indigenous shipping.
